Sections

Humber Estuary - Profile

Location

This huge estuary on England's north east coast, is approximately 6 miles wide just past its entrance at Spurn Point, narrowing to 1.5 miles some 30 miles upriver. This vast expanse of open water, with its fast-flowing currents, shifting sands and shallow waters, can be a dangerous place and should be treated with respect. Yachtsmen are advised to obtain the latest charts, which are available from the Harbour Master's office.

The old fishing port of Grimsby is on the eastern side of the river about 2nm fron the entrance, while the city of Hull is on the northern shore 20nm up river.

Clearance

HM Customs & Port Health Authority

Tel:+44(0)1482 212191
Fax:+44(0)1482 218773
,VHF Channel 12, 14, 16

Any boat carrying animals or birds, is obliged by law to report these facts not more than 12 hours and, where practicable, not less than 4 hours before docking, to the Hull and Goole Port Health Authority.

HM Immigration Office

Unit 4, Anchor Court, Francis Street, Hull HU2 8DT

Tel:+44(0)1652 593980

On arrival from abroad, the Q flag must be flown and kept in place until cleared (it must be illuminated at night). Form C.1329 must be completed and handed to the Customs Officer when he boards. Part of the form is for delivery to Customs before departure and any non-EU nationals must be included on it.

Harbour Masters Office

Port House
, Northern Gateway
, Hull HU9 5PO

Tel:+44 (0)1482 327171
Fax:+44 (0)1482 608432

Docking

The Humber Estuary is home to a thriving community of marinas and small boat clubs as well as the important ports of Grimsby and Hull. Consequently, this is a very busy stretch of water.

Always report your presence in the river at night or in poor visibility to VTS Humber of VHF ch 12.

For yachts arriving off Grimsby in inclement weather, local advice is to call the lock keepers by VHF to see if it is possible to enter the lock pit or seek temporary shelter in the Royal Dock Basin. As this is a busy commercial dock, it is essential not to enter the Royal Dock Basin without permission

The deepwater channel to Grimsby is well marked and most yachts should have no trouble following the outer edge of the marked channel. During the day the prominent Victorian Dock Tower is an obvious landmark, which is normally floodlit at night.

Access through the lock is on a free-flow basis on a level for 2 hours before and after high water. Essential to call Lock Keepers on Ch 74 to seek permission to enter the lock. There is a traffic light system displayed on the conspicuous lattice framework on the western side of the lock. 3 greens indicate safe passage through the lock. It is possible to pen into the lock (only with permission) for additional 2 hours either side of high water. At Spring tides the lock gates may close for a period at high water. When transitting the lock, its helpful to keep the engine at fairly high revs as some turbulance may occur. Once through the lock, the marina entrance is dead ahead. Visitors moorings are on your port side on long pontoon running in front of clubhouse.

Situated on River Humber not far away from city centre.
20 visitors berths. Access is via a lock at HW+/- 3 hrs. There are pontoons outside the lock in the basin. Diesel, petrol, fresh water and AC electricity points are available. Facilities include a chandlery, marine-engine repairs, electrical repairs, shipwright, sailmaker, a laundrette, a 50ton boat hoist and a 2ton crane.
Not the most peaceful of berths being close to a busy road, but convenient for a good range of shops.

Yacht Clubs

Grimsby Marina

Meridian Quay Fish Docks
, Grimsby
, South Humberside DN31 3RP

Tel:+44(0)1472 356678

There are 25 visitors berths. Access is gained through Royal Dock and Union Dock at HW +/-3hrs. Diesel fuel, petrol (in cans), fresh water, calor gas, camping gas and AC electricity points are available. Facilities include chandlery, electrical repairs, shipwright and a 30-tonne boat hoist. There is also a licensed bar.
(Fuelling berth just before visitors berths in front of clubhouse)

There is 1.5m at about HW +/-2hrs. It starts to dry at about half tide, but it is well protected and little risk of bumping the ground. The seaward end of the channel is about 5 cables upstream of Haile Sand Fort and is marked by a post painted red and black. There are a few moorings available and limited facilities are available during the season.